Breast Augmentation Surgery: A Recovery Timeline

By Rodolfo Castillo Calderón on June 30, 2017

Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery options in the world. Thanks to the careful placement of breast implants, women can increase the size of their breasts, achieve a more youthful appearance, and enhance their overall body contour in the process.

The team at our Tijuana plastic surgery center would like to consider the recovery process following breast augmentation. This will give prospective patients a good idea of what to expect if they're interested in getting breast implants.

How Much Time Should I Take Off from Work?

Typically, patients should consider taking a week off from work. This will allow them to recover in the crucial first days after surgery and get past the major side effects following the procedure. Even though you'll be back at work, it's important that you take things easy upon your return and avoid heavy lifting and other potentially strenuous physical activities until your surgeon advises otherwise.

What to Expect Right After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Immediately after breast augmentation surgery, patients will often feel fatigued and sore. Some nausea is not uncommon as well. These are all to be expected, particularly as the patients comes out from the effects of general anesthesia. Patients are advised to get ample rest when they return home, with their body propped up with a few pillows so they do not lie flat on their back.

What to Expect in the First Few Days of Recovery

During the first few days after breast augmentation surgery, pain and discomfort are quite common. Bruising and swelling will be pronounced at this time as well. These are all normal side effects following a surgical procedure. Patients are advised to continue resting, using cold compresses as directed to help manage the swelling and soreness. Pain relievers may also be taken in order to reduce discomfort.

What to Expect by the End of the First Week

By the end of the first week, patients will typically notice a reduction in post-operative pain. They should be able to go back to work at this point as well. The first of several follow-up visits with the surgeon will have likely taken place at this time, allowing the surgeon to monitor the patient's recovery process.

What to Expect by the End of the First Month

By the end of the first month, breast augmentation patients should be back to most of their normal activities again. Major swelling will have ended, though some residual swelling may persist for several more weeks. Bruising will have also subsided, though some minor discoloration may still be present, particularly around the incision sites.

Patients may have notices some numbness or tingling or the breasts by this point, which is a normal side effect of surgery. These sensation issues will become less prevalent as healing continues.

What to Expect in the Months Ahead

In the months ahead, patients can expect to return to their normal daily activities, with none of the post-operative side effects present. Some minor changes in breast sensation may persist, though will work itself out over time.

Post-surgical scarring is a reality following any surgery. Thankfully the incisions are kept as small as possible, and are concealed by most undergarments, tops, and bathing suits. The surgical scars will fade over the course of a year, with continued fading as time goes by.

Learn More About Breast Augmentation Surgery

For more information about breast augmentation surgery and whether or not it is the ideal option for you, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery center today. We look forward to your visit and discussing these matters in much greater detail.